Debabrata Saikia writes to Sonowal on auctions of sites containing mines and minerals

Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia in a letter to State Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has asked that the government bid in the auctions for sites in the State which contain mines and minerals so that these resources remain a part of the State’s economy and are not taken away by industries operating outside the State.

The letter stated:”I wish to remind you that before the previous auction of oilfields in Assam, we had demanded that the State Government should participate in the auction through the Assam Hydrocarbon & Energy Company Limited. Unfortunately, this was not done.

Now, in view of news emerging that the Government of India is planning to auction various sites in Assam which contain mines and minerals, including four limestone mines, I request you to direct the Assam Mines and Minerals Development Corporation, or any other eligible PSU run by the State Government, to participate in the auction process.

I must stress that previously we have missed opportunities to retain a major say and stake in the utilization of our State’s own resources. It would be a major tragedy if the State Government fails to protect the interests of Assam this time as well. It is up to you to ensure that not only do state-run PSUs participate in all forthcoming auctions, but also that they do not go just through the motions. They must come up with feasible bids. Retaining a stake and say in the utilization of our own resources, which are not inexhaustible, is one of the ways to safeguard our ‘Jati, Mati, Bheti’.”

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